Seamus Coleman is expected to captain the Republic of Ireland side in Wednesday night’s Group A World Cup qualifier away to Serbia.
The Killybegs man has missed a number of internationals because of injury – but he is set to lead the side out in Belgrade.
“I can’t explain how much I’ve missed it, I love playing for my country…”
Our captain 🇮🇪#COYBIG | #SRBIRL pic.twitter.com/JSafrJKHW0
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) March 23, 2021
Coleman has impressed while on media duty this week – and he’s been forthright too.
He the main pre-match online news conference ahead of the game to respond to media reports last year that he was unhappy with his treatment under international Stephen Kenny.
Coleman was dropped last September for the Nations League game against Bulgaria. Matt Doherty got the starting place in the team at right back. Some reporting at the time claimed Coleman felt humiliated that he had to attend a news confirence for the team at the end of the game.
The Killybegs man has clarified that he was happy to do the media duties at the time because that’s his job as team captain.
Seamus Coleman reacts to silly rumours that he was disappointed with Stephen Kenny about being asked to do a press conference when he wasn’t starting.
“there’s no ego with me, never has been.”
Well said Seamus, let’s smash Serbia now 🇮🇪#COYBIG #SRBIRL #SeamusColeman pic.twitter.com/r1vfC7mZ2F
— Irish Football Fan TV (@irishfantv) March 23, 2021
This brilliant piece from Coleman illustrates how even millionaire footballers are still human beings, not caricatures or names on team sheets. Same sensitivities, fragility, emotions as the rest of us. We forget that sometimes. #coybig https://t.co/1ahb83Cjr7
— Jim Gray (@jimnotleo) March 24, 2021
How World Cup qualification works
Ireland are in a five-team group with Portugal, Serbia, Azerbaijan Luxembourg and.
Qatar, who are the world cup hosts next year, have been jettisoned into Ireland’s group as a sixth team to give them match practice. But Ireland’s games against Qatar don’t count in terms of qualification. They are glorified friendlies.
As for how qualification works: There are ten groups in European qualifying. The ten group winners will automatically qualify for the finals in qatar next year.
The 10 group runners up will then go into the playoffs along with the two best group winners from the Nations League.
Out of those 12 teams, just three will qualify for the World Cup. So thirteen European places in total on offer in Qatar next year.
